History

Our Story

Founded 40 years ago by Cyrus Harvey, Crabtree & Evelyn has evolved since 1972 from a small, family-run business specialising in fine soaps from around the world, to an international company with over 500 stores worldwide.

A new store concept and logo is now bringing our brand to a whole new customer base around the globe.

Today the brand is renowned and respected for its original fragrances, fine foods and gorgeous gifts, all beautifully packaged to transform the ordinary rituals of daily life into extraordinary pleasurable experiences.

Long before the natural and wellness movement became popular, Crabtree & Evelyn was wholeheartedly embracing the riches of the natural world, introducing product ranges made with fruit, flower and plant essences.

Our Inspiration…where does it come from?

John Evelyn

Crabtree & Evelyn is inspired by John Evelyn, a 17th Century Englishman who was a visionary of his time.

One of the first naturalists and conservationists, Evelyn travelled Europe experiencing the wonderful cultures and natural environments which he shared with his friends in British society.

His great estate, Sayes Court, was planted with large expanses of elm trees, and the magnificent gardens Evelyn created were a wonder of the age.

The diary of John Evelyn is a remarkable picture of 17th Century life, both in England and on the continent. Evelyn’s personal motto Explore everything. Keep the best. has provided inspiration from our founding to this day.

The Crab Apple Tree Symbol

Our icon, the Crab Apple Tree (Pyrus malus), is native to Britain and the ancestor of all cultivated apple trees. Prized for its lovely form and its usefulness in the home apothecary, the Crab Apple Tree represents beauty and the natural goodness inherent in our brand.

The Still Room

Our inspirational model is the early home apothecary, or ‘still room’.

Still rooms existed at a time when the garden played an integral role in daily life – a time when fresh flowers, herbs and fruits from the gardens and orchards were distilled to make fragrant waters for the bath and soothing essences for the skin while fruit preserves were also created to brighten the winter larder.

From the magic of the still room came the little luxuries and necessities that enhanced the quality of everyday life.

This innovative spirit, built on the foundation of Crabtree & Evelyn’s rich heritage and relationship to the garden, inspires us today.

Company

Customer Services

Founded 40 years ago by Cyrus Harvey, Crabtree & Evelyn has evolved since 1972 from a small, family-run business specialising in fine soap from around the world, to an international company with over 500 stores worldwide. more